Possible bidders for plans take tour of former police barracks

Wednesday

Jan 23, 2013 at 12:01 AMJan 24, 2013 at 10:41 AM

By CHRISTINA STYAN

By CHRISTINA STYAN

Special Writer

DARTMOUTH — Dartmouth Housing Authority (DHA) Executive Director Constance Desbiens unveiled plans for phase two of the renovations to the O'Connor-Sisson House, the former State Police Barracks, destined for veterans housing.

After four years of effort, the authority's plans to develop some new units of affordable housing for veterans are now progressing at a very fast pace, she suggested.

"We have been busy. We went to the Zoning Board meeting, and passed all 16 waivers. I am so excited", that plans have been approved, she noted at the Dartmouth Housing Authority meeting on Jan. 14.

Ms. Desbiens described several more steps taken toward completion of the project, such as the formation of a Designer Selection Committee. "The committee is made up of four people — me, (Construction Project Manager for Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School) Robert Gomes, architect Michael Walker, and Richard Asquino, who used to work in the procurement office for Fannie May," she explained.

Ms. Desbiens noted the next step is a Request for Quote for architectural services for the project's design specifactions. "I put together 38 packets for companies who are interested in developing our housing," she reported.

On Jan. 15, Ms. Desbiens opened the former police barracks to several architectural companies wanting to walk through the building before submitting bids. When quotes are submitted, the DHA will choose three finalists for further consideration, she said.

According to Ms. Desbiens, another phase toward completion will be wrapping up the funding plan. In June 2009, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) awarded $350,000 to fund the acquisition and development of the former barracks. "We still have some remaining CPC money, and will be looking at state funding, and canvassing for donations," she said.

In other agenda items from the Jan. 14 meeting, Ms Desbiens discussed new legislation that Governor Patrick is proposing, which would eliminate local responsibility for public housing through the creation of regional housing authorities.

According to a press release from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), the governor's plan would streamline the delivery of affordable housing services to the Commonwealth's low-income families and senior citizens by encouraging collaborative administrative functions in the areas such as waiting lists, vacant unit turnover, procurement and capital improvements.

"I feel blindsided by this new regional plan. Local boards want to maintain independence. The NAHRO task force is working on a counter proposal," Ms. Desbiens advised the Dartmouth board.

NAHRO represents 242 housing authorities in Massachusetts, Ms. Desbiens and Dartmouth Housing Authority members both expressed their opposition to the proposal to eliminate local responsibility for public housing.

"We are going to do what is best for our community; this proposal really concerns me," remarked DHA member Samuel Jonsson.

The governor's proposal has to go through quite a few government committees before coming up for a vote in the legislature.

"This proposal is not in the best interests of anyone," warned Ms. Desbiens. She suggested board members write to their state representatives stating they were against the proposal and in support of NAHRO's counter-proposal.